Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the level of funding and training available to residents associations or tenants associations and groups in relation to housing matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26925/09]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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My Department does not fund residents' or tenants' associations directly. However, in line with the Government's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, a specific fund is in place to support initiatives that build and foster the principles of sustainable communities. This fund currently provides support to housing authorities for a range of community initiatives, including tenancy liaison officers and advocacy services. In 2009, some €3 million has been set aside to continue this valuable work.

In addition, my Department provides assistance towards the administrative and general expenses of certain not-for-profit organisations and bodies which provide advice, research, training or other supports including representative services in the area of housing. Allocations from the €1.5m available for this purpose in 2009 will be made shortly.